Max Cohen bio

Paul Shoul photo

“Max is one of those rare guitarists able to create an atmosphere that supports and cradles the voice with both tenderness and strength.” says Priscilla Herdman.

Max Cohen’s natural humility hides an amazing talent. An accomplished guitarist, Max balances tremendous sensitivity with driving rhythmic power. As an accompanist, “He’s as trustworthy as they come,” says fiddler and music partner Donna Hébert. Their co-written air, Raven’s Wing, is in the Séamus Connolly Collection of Irish Music at the Boston College Libraries.

His new partnership with Lui Collins, poet Jane Yolen, and Donna particularly showcases Max’s guitar as he weaves poems and tunes together seamlessly. Yolen has full confidence in him: “We know we are in the best of hands when Max is in the band.”

Max has coached youth performances with the Great Groove Band at Old Songs and Philly Folk Festivals since 2008. He’s also played guitar on numerous recordings, as well as producing eight of his band and solo recordings.